Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are the perfect summer treat that brings together the bright flavors of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that captures the sweetness of strawberries with a tangy lemon twist. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or simply craving something delightful at home, these cookies promise to brighten your day. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even for those who might be newer to the kitchen. Trust me, once you start baking these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies, you’ll want to make them again and again.

As you glide through the steps, you’ll see how simple ingredients combine to create a delightful dessert. Get ready to enjoy the fresh, fruity flavor and the joy of sharing cookies that not only taste good but also look beautiful!

Why This Recipe Works

The key to these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies is the combination of cake mixes. Using cake mixes simplifies the baking process while still delivering a delightful mixture of flavors. This means less time worrying about measurements and more time enjoying the sweet aroma as they bake.

Fresh lemon juice enhances the citrus flavor, elevating the cookie to a new level of deliciousness. It adds a freshness that really uplifts the cookie, making it feel light and perfect for summer days.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

These cookies take a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, perfectly combining the sweetness of strawberries with the zing of lemon. They’re vibrant, visually appealing, and an absolute delight to eat. Perfect for summer gatherings, they can brighten any outdoor barbecue or picnic. Just picture handing these colorful cookies to your friends and family, watching their smiles spread as they take a bite. Every taste is like a burst of summer sunshine!

Ingredients

• 1 box Betty Crocker Delight Strawberry Cake Mix (or any brand)
• 1 box Betty Crocker Delight Lemon Cake Mix (or any brand)
• 4 large eggs, divided
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons cold water or additional lemon juice

Preparing the Lemon Cake Dough

Whisk Together Eggs and Oil

Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Whisk together 2 of the eggs, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1.5 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.

Combine With Lemon Cake Mix

Next, stir in the box of lemon cake mix. You want it fully combined so it can thicken as it sits. Let that rest for a moment while you move on to the strawberry dough.

Preparing the Strawberry Cake Dough

Whisk Together Eggs and Oil

In another bowl, repeat the egg and oil mixture using the remaining 2 eggs, another 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and the last 1.5 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.

Combine With Strawberry Cake Mix

Stir in the box of strawberry cake mix, ensuring everything is well blended. Like the lemon dough, set this aside too.

Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the Cookie Doughs

To make the dough easier to handle later, refrigerate both doughs for at least 30 minutes. This little step helps with shaping the cookies perfectly.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat Oven

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper in preparation for the cookies.

Prepare Powdered Sugar Plates

Generously sprinkle two large plates with powdered sugar for rolling the cookies. This will give them that lovely finishing touch.

Forming the Lemon Cookies

Using a teaspoon, scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of the lemon dough. Roll it gently in your hands, then roll it in powdered sugar until it’s coated well. Place it on one of the prepared plates.

Forming the Strawberry Cookies

Next, scoop 1/2 tablespoon of the strawberry dough, rolling and coating it in the same way as the lemon dough before placing it on the second plate.

Forming the Combined Cookies

Here comes the fun part! Roll one lemon ball and one strawberry ball together, applying gentle pressure to form a smooth ball. Place these beautifully combined cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Bake

Before baking, sprinkle each cookie lightly with extra powdered sugar. Bake for 10-13 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Aim for about 12.5 minutes for that perfect balance—soft in the middle with crisp edges.

Prepare the Glaze

Mix Glaze Ingredients

While the cookies cool, it’s time for the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of cold water or lemon juice. Mix until it’s smooth and silky.

Drizzle Over Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over each cookie. This sweet touch brings everything together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving these colorful cookies at summer parties or casual picnics for an inviting treat. They pair perfectly with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea, making them an ideal afternoon snack.

Tips for Success

Make sure your dough is chilled to avoid stickiness when rolling. If it feels too wet when you roll it, adjust the amount of powdered sugar on your hands and surfaces. This can help create the perfect cookie shape.

Variations

If you want to add a bit more flair, consider adding zest from one lemon to the dough for an extra citrus kick. You could also substitute half the strawberry cake mix with a raspberry or another berry cake mix to experiment with different flavors.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookies in a single layer first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. This makes it easy to enjoy your cookies on another day!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cake mixes for gluten-free alternatives.

2. How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

3. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of cake mix?
Using fresh strawberries requires some adjustments in proportions and could complicate the recipe.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for a slight golden color around the edges while they remain soft in the center.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough in advance for an easier baking session later.

These Strawberry Lemonade Cookies bring a cheerful burst of flavor and color to any gathering. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a treat that captures the essence of summer. Enjoy the joy of baking, the satisfaction of sharing, and the smiles from friends and family. Happy baking!

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